Skip to content

Nature-inspired art shown at National Trust park

A Right/Left Project Red-lit exhibit box shows a plant with roots streaming down. It's in a larger glass box. The plant resembles a jellyfish, with "tentacles" eminating from a triangular core at the top of the picture.A Right/Left Project
Origin at Dunham Massey will explore nature's life cycles

An immersive art installation exploring nature, inspired by a rare Himalayan flower, has opened at a National Trust park.

Organisers of the exhibition at Dunham Massey in Greater Manchester said they had wanted to create an environment "where visitors can slow down".

The Origin exhibition, which will run until 2 November, was displayed twice in London last year and has been specially redesigned for Dunham Massey park near Altrincham.

About 200 Giant Himalayan Lilies, which take five to seven years to flower but produce thousands of seeds, have also been planted in the hall's courtyard.

Created by artists Stephen Dobbie and Colin Nightingale from the theatre company Punchdrunk, Origin incorporates sound, storytelling and artwork to explore nature's life cycles and allows visitors to lie back on mats or accessible seats.

Nightingale said they wanted to provide "an experience that resonates both intellectually and emotionally".

He added: "In today's fast-paced world, it's easy to lose touch with the deeper rhythms that shape our lives.

"Our aim for Origin was to design an environment where visitors can slow down, allowing the interplay of sound and light to guide them toward a more reflective and grounded state."

David Dixon/Geograph White spotted fallow deer crossing a paved drive at Dunham Massey. Two women walk down a long driveway which lined on both sides by grass.David Dixon/Geograph
Herds of deer roam the grounds of Dunham Massey

Co-creator Dobbie said: "Throughout our careers, we've explored how sound influences the way we perceive and interact with the world.

"Here, we wanted to push that concept further - creating an experience where sound isn't just heard but felt."

The exhibition also includes work by composer Toby Young, who has previously collaborated with The Rolling Stones and violinist Nicola Benedetti.

Known as a hunting area in medieval times, Dunham Massey now accommodates a Georgian stately home, gardens and a deer park.

Listen to the best of BBC Radio Manchester on Sounds and follow BBC Manchester on Facebook, X, and Instagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.